College of Education and Professional Studies
Dance
Bachelor of Arts | Major
Bachelor of Arts in Dance
In the Dance program at CWU, you will be part of a supportive community that encourages you to express yourself through dance.
Our Dance, BA offers a wide range of courses that cover dance techniques, performance, choreography, theory, and history. This diverse coursework allows you to develop a strong foundation in all aspects of dance and discover your artistic voice. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or only beginning, we offer an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and fosters creativity.
Questions? Contact Us
Gabrielle McNeillie
400 East University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7572
Assistant Professor
Create Your Future
What You'll Study
Academic Catalog | Dance Program Website
Courses
- DNCE 161 - Cultural History of Dance
- DNCE 300 - Dance Composition
- DNCE 311 - Music for Dance - Rhythms and Resources
- DNCE 312 - Dance Performance
- DNCE 315 - Teaching Methods: Dance Technique Teaching Methods: Dance Technique
- DNCE 360 - Dance Injury Prevention
- DNCE 385 - Principles of Functional Alignment for Dance
- DNCE 401 - Choreography
- DNCE 402 - Dance Production
- DNCE 420 - Capstone Project
Technique Courses
Jazz Dance Technique Courses
- DNCE 207 - Jazz Dance Technique I
- DNCE 307 - Jazz Dance Technique II
- DNCE 407 - Jazz Dance Technique III
Ballet Technique Courses
- DNCE 217 - Ballet Technique 1A
- DNCE 218 - Ballet Technique 1B
- DNCE 219 - Ballet Technique 1C
- DNCE 317 - Ballet Technique 2A
- DNCE 318 - Ballet Technique 2B
- DNCE 319 - Ballet Technique 2C
- DNCE 417 - Ballet Technique 3A
- DNCE 418 - Ballet Technique 3B
- DNCE 419 - Ballet Technique 3C
- DNCE 220 - Modern Technique 1A
- DNCE 221 - Modern Technique 1B
- DNCE 222 - Modern Technique 1C
- DNCE 320 - Modern Technique 2A
- DNCE 321 - Modern Technique 2B
- DNCE 322 - Modern Technique 2C
Department-Approved Electives
- DNCE 107 - Introduction to Jazz Dance
- DNCE 109 - Physics of Dance
- DNCE 117 - Introduction to Ballet Dance
- DNCE 120 - Introduction to Modern Dance
- DNCE 121 - Tap Dance I
- DNCE 122 - Tap Dance II
- DNCE 123 - Tap Dance III
- DNCE 130 - American Style Ballroom Dance I
- DNCE 131 - American Style Ballroom Dance II
- DNCE 309 - Teaching Methods: Recreational Dance
- DNCE 314 - Dance for Children
- DNCE 355 - Pointe and Variations
- DNCE 495 - Practicum
- PEF 153 - Mat Pilates
- DNCE 207 - Jazz Dance Technique I
- DNCE 307 - Jazz Dance Technique II
- DNCE 407 - Jazz Dance Technique III
- DNCE 217 - Ballet Technique 1A
- DNCE 218 - Ballet Technique 1B
- DNCE 219 - Ballet Technique 1C
- DNCE 220 - Modern Technique 1A
- DNCE 221 - Modern Technique 1B
- DNCE 222 - Modern Technique 1C
- DNCE 317 - Ballet Technique 2A
- DNCE 318 - Ballet Technique 2B
- DNCE 319 - Ballet Technique 2C
- DNCE 320 - Modern Technique 2A
- DNCE 321 - Modern Technique 2B
- DNCE 322 - Modern Technique 2C
- DNCE 417 - Ballet Technique 3A
- DNCE 418 - Ballet Technique 3B
- DNCE 419 - Ballet Technique 3C
Class Act
In addition to mainstays like ballet, jazz, and modern technique, you’ll learn invaluable information about how to stay safe as you dance with our Dance Injury Prevention Course where you can design a dance-specific conditioning program using current research and resources.
Orchesis Dance Company
The mission of Orchesis Dance Company is to promote dance as a performing art and to provide opportunities for you to choreograph, learn, and perform original artistic works. The dance styles emphasized within the company are Modern Dance and Jazz Dance.
Custom Facilities
Located in Nicholson Pavilion, our updated studio space with high ceilings and sprung floors also features a Pilates studio with 10 reformers and spine correctors to better serve the needs of students entering the sport and movement studies field. We also host dance workshops, events, and performances in McConnell Hall and the Milo Smith Tower Theatre.
Ready for Anything
The discipline of dance makes students highly sought after in all careers because dance teaches cognitive flexibility, creative problem-solving, persistence, and teamwork. Choreographers and producers must also possess excellent attention to detail to run successful programs.
Apply
Discover how to apply to your program of choice at Central.
Financial Aid
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Student Life
Pursue your interests in a supportive community. Learn more.
Visit
The best way to discover what makes CWU so special is to experience it yourself.
the Dance Team
Dance majors and minors can take advantage of this fun creative outlet.
Starting Salary
Dance instructors make an average of $30 an hour or $51,000 per year (varies on location)
and Perform
By audition only, students can experience varied performance styles choreographed by students, faculty, and guest artists with the Orchesis Dance Company.
Why Study Dance at Central?
- Our program is built on a strong sense of community and collaboration. You will work closely with your peers and faculty to develop performance skills
- We offer numerous performance opportunities, including the Dance Program's annual spring concert and other dance productions on campus. These opportunities allow you to showcase your talent and gain valuable performance experience
- Practice and perfect your choreography for different audiences, including for our mainstage production
Career Pathways
Dance Teacher
Instructor
Studio manager
Dance studio owner
Choreographer
Dance Fitness Teacher